China Expands YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile to Type 052D Destroyers

On July 29, Chinese state media released footage showing a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 052D destroyer firing the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile. The launch was “cold-launched” vertically, meaning the missile was ejected from its canister before its solid-rocket motor ignited, as reported by the Global Times. This is the first publicly documented use of the YJ-20 on a Type 052D hull, which previously had only been observed on the larger Type 055 cruiser.

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer The Straits Times

The YJ-20 was unveiled at a military parade in Beijing last September and has been known to be deployed on the PLAN’s Type 055 “super-destroyers.” The Type 052D class forms the backbone of China’s destroyer fleet, with roughly 35 vessels in service and additional ships under construction. By contrast, only about ten Type 055 ships are operational. Deploying the YJ-20 on a more numerous platform suggests a shift from concentrating hypersonic capability on a few flagships to distributing it across a broader segment of the surface fleet.

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer

According to Chinese sources, the YJ-20 employs either an aero-ballistic or boost-glide flight profile, achieving cruise speeds well above Mach 6 and potentially reaching Mach 9 in the terminal phase. Estimated range exceeds 620 miles (?1,000 km). Guidance is believed to combine satellite navigation, mid-course updates, and an active radar or infrared seeker for terminal homing.

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer

A Type 052D destroyer carries 64 vertical launch system (VLS) cells—32 forward and 32 aft—typically loaded with HHQ-9 SAMs, YJ-18 subsonic anti-ship missiles, CJ-10 land-attack cruise missiles, and CY-5 anti-submarine missiles. It is unclear whether all cells can accommodate the larger YJ-20, as the missile’s dimensions may limit the number of loadouts per ship.

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer The Straits Times

Fielding the YJ-20 on both Type 055 and Type 052D vessels expands the number of PLAN platforms capable of long-range hypersonic anti-ship strikes. Analysts argue that this broadens China’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) posture across the western Pacific and the First Island Chain, complicating U.S. and allied naval operations by increasing the pool of launch platforms that can threaten high-value warships from stand-off distances. The move also underscores China’s rapid shipbuilding pace and its focus on integrating advanced missile technology across multiple hull classes.

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer

• CCTV’s military channel presented the July 29 launch footage as part of a six-part documentary trailer scheduled to begin screening on July 30, marking the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.

The Straits Times

Sources differ on whether the Type 052D launch represents a full operational fielding or a limited trial. Compatibility of the YJ-20 with all 64 VLS cells remains uncertain, as the missile’s size could restrict the number of launch tubes that can be equipped. No public confirmation has been provided that the YJ-20 has entered formal service across the fleet.

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer

• July 29 – CCTV and Global Times broadcast footage of a Type 052D destroyer firing a YJ-20 missile.

The Straits Times

• July 30 – Documentary trailer featuring the launch is slated to begin screening, commemorating the PLA’s 99th anniversary.

The Straits Times

• September 3, 2025 – YJ-20 missiles or mockups were reviewed during the V-Day military parade in Beijing.

China Fires YJ-20 Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile From Smaller Destroyer